How to Store a Car Long-Term

There are many reasons why vehicle owners might elect to store a vehicle, but there’s both a right and a wrong way to do it. And if you want to truly preserve the vehicle and keep the garage or storage unit where it’s being held in good condition, it’s imperative that you go about storing the vehicle in the proper manner. After all, you can’t just go out and buy a remade classic car if something were to go wrong.

In this post, we’ll cover what you need to do if you’re looking to store a car long-term. Here’s a closer look:

 Before putting your vehicle in storage, make sure all the fluids are topped off. This is especially important when it comes to fuel and engine oil. An empty gas tank is more likely to lead to rusting from moisture buildup and old engine oil may contain contaminants that could damage the engine. We also suggest adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to further avoid any potential for damage or moisture buildup in the tank. If you’re uncomfortable carrying out this task yourself, we suggest working with a credible mechanic.

Don’t apply the parking brake when storing a vehicle. If the parking brake is applied for too long of a time, it can fuse with the interior of the wheel, which can lead to some major issues. Rather than apply a parking brake, we suggest a wheel chock or preventing tire roll by placing wood or cinder blocks in front and behind them. Additionally, we suggest elevating the vehicle on jacks to ensure consistent weight on the tires and avoid premature tread wear.

This is the easiest thing you can do before storing your car for an extended period of time. Over time, the likes of dirt, grease, dust, and debris can take their toll on the vehicle’s body and impact the finish. A good wash and a wax is always good practice on a classic vehicle, especially when it comes to protecting it before placing it into storage. While you’re at it, don’t forget about the interior. A good cleaning and dusting inside of the vehicle can help ensure it is ready to go when it’s time to take it out of storage.

There are a few other steps you should follow before you say goodbye to your vehicle for an extended period of time. For starters, we always recommend covering your vehicle with an appropriate car cover that’s soft, breathable, and wraps tightly around the vehicle. Don’t use a tarp or sheet that tends to fit loosely and offer inadequate protection.

Additionally, we always recommend placing a plastic sheet underneath your vehicle before storing it. This will prevent any drips or leaks from damaging the floor of your garage, storage unit, or wherever it is that you’re storing the vehicle.

For more information on how to store a car long-term, contact us today.